Playing with pop cans

ABSTRACT

I have invented a method of using pop cans or any fluid containing container having selected characteristics that is fun and entertaining. This method comprises providing a container that is able to hold fluid and has a top, a bottom, and a vertical axis. The bottom comprises a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first edge is of greater length than the second, the first is nearer to the top than the second, and the vertical plane of the first edge encompasses the vertical plane of the second in at least a region. The first edge and second edge are able to contact a flat surface at the same time when the can is moved off-vertical. The container is tilted until both the first edge and the second edge contact a surface. The amount of fluid in the container is adjusted until the center of gravity of the partially-filled container is between the first edge and the second edge contacting the surface The method of the invention provides a container that is stable in a tilted position. The stabilized container may be rolled on its edges or left in a static position. This “trick” can provide enjoyment for people, particularly when the container is a pop can and others try to do the same thing with varied success. The container either falls back to a vertical position or falls over spilling the fluid contents.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to containers of fluid and methods of using same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pop cans are used to market a variety of beverages including soft drinks and juices. They are pervasive in society and commonly used by children. However, pop cans frequently have little use to entertain people beyond providing a container for a desired beverage.

There is a need for a method of having fun with pop cans beyond merely drinking from them.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

I have invented a method of using pop cans or any fluid containing container having selected characteristics that is fun and entertaining. This method comprises providing a container that is able to hold fluid and has a top, a bottom, and a vertical axis. The bottom comprises a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first edge is of greater length than the second, the first is nearer to the top than the second, and the vertical plane of the first edge encompasses the vertical plane of the second in at least a region. The first edge and second edge are able to contact a flat surface at the same time when the can is moved off-vertical. The container is tilted until both the first edge and the second edge contact a surface. The amount of fluid in the container is adjusted until the vertical center of gravity of the partially-filled container is between the first edge and the second edge contacting the surface

Typically the container is cylindrical, the edges are concentric about the vertical axis and the contents are a beverage. Also, typically, the first edge and second edge are able to contact a flat surface at the same time along substantially all of the length of the first edge. When this occurs and the container between the first and second edges is not outside a cone formed by the vertical axis and touching both edges, the container is able to be moved along a substantially circular path while in a tilted position. If a region exists where the surface is outside the cone, the can may become unstable if the center of gravity is not within the area of the can in contact with the surface.

The method of the invention provides a container that is stable in a tilted position. The stabilized container may be rolled on its edges or left in a static position. This “trick” can provide enjoyment for people, particularly when the container is a pop can and others trying to do the same thing are met with varied success. The container can be stable or can either fall back to a vertical position or fall over spilling the fluid contents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the invention is the use of beverage cans commonly used for packaging soft drinks. These cans are typically designed to contain 12 fluid ounces (about 355 mL) of beverage and generally have beveled edges on the bottom.

A beveled edge comprises two concentric edges, one lower than the other and the lower one having a narrower radius than the other. The surface of the can between the two edges is generally straight or slightly concaved. If the can were placed in a cone having the same vertical axis as the can such that the sides of the cone intersected both concentric edges of the can bottom, no surface of the can between the two edges would be outside the cone. This allows both edges to contact a flat surface at the same time when the can is tilted somewhat from a vertical position.

The can with beverage is generally not stable in a tilted position if too much or too little beverage is present and nothing else has been added. When the can is full of beverage, the can will usually tip over when released from a tilted position where both edges are touching a flat horizontal surface. Similarly, the can will fall back to a vertical position when released if not enough fluid is present.

Stability in the tilted position is achieved when the center of gravity of the can with beverage is between the two edges when they are in contact with the horizontally-aligned surface. Since the specific gravity of most beverages is similar, approximating 1, the amount of fluid to achieve stability in a tilted position is similar among similarly-sized cans. Stability was achieved for one conventional 12 fluid ounce can of Diet 7 Up™ at a fluid level of between about 0.66 inches and 2.25 inches (about 17 mm and about 57 mm) and of one can of Sunkist™ at a fluid level of between about 0.63 inches and 2.75 inches (about 16 mm and about 70 mm). This was determined by removing fluid in small amounts between testing the can for stability in a tilted position until stability was achieved. Alternatively, fluid could be added back to the can until stability was achieved.

The amount of fluid needed for stability in a tilted position can be varied. Such variables include, the specific gravity of the fluid, the distance between the two concentric edges, dimensions of the can, and the addition of material having a different specific gravity. Higher specific gravity fluid allows less fluid when an empty container with both edges touching a surface falls on its side when released. More distance permits a wider range of amounts of fluid. Changes in the height or circumference of the can alter the position of the center of gravity of the partially-filed can. Similarly, addition of other material, such as, for example, stones, marbles or coins, can alter the position of the center of gravity as the material now becomes part of the partially-filled can and thus part of the center of gravity determination. An excessive amount of this additional material in a container can prevent the method from working. Such a container, without any fluid but with both edges touching a surface, may fall on its side when released.

The surface that the container is on that is in contact with both edges of the container does not have to be flat or horizontal. Some variation is permissible as long as the vertical component of the center of gravity of the partially-filled container in a tilted position can be adjusted to fall within the contact region between both edges and the surface.

Other embodiments of the invention include using cylindrical containers containing fluid in the generalized dictionary definition, i.e., any material that can flow. This includes, for example, sand, marbles, coins and rocks as well as liquids both edible and inedible. Preferably, fluid includes edible liquids such as, for example, water, soft drinks, vegetable juices and fruit juices that are commonly packaged in cans. However, in the spirit of competition and play, solids may be added to change satisfactory levels of liquids that result in stable tilted positions.

Still other embodiments include using containers that are not cylindrical but have bottoms with at least two edges that allow the container to be tilted at an angle to allow both edges to contact a surface for at least one region of the can that is different from that angle when substantially the entire smaller edge contacts a surface.

Enjoyment can come in many forms. People can attempt to make the can stable in a tilted position. People can also attempt to nudge tilted cans to roll in a circular fashion. They can engage in a variety of competitions, such as, for example, to see who can make a can or an entire six-pack stable in a tilted position in the shortest time, can complete a circle or can complete the most number of circles.

Further, this play can provide a teaching platform. Some scientific principles can be conveyed involving, for example, forces, weights, centers of gravity and motion. In addition, play can enhance patience, competition and judgment skills.

In addition, the performance of this method or “trick” presents the pop can in a unique way that can attract attention to the pop can. Also, the performer is presented as cleaver. Other benefits are apparent as my invention is used. 

1. A method of using a fluid-containing container for enjoyment, comprising, a. providing a container with a top and a bottom, able to hold fluid, having a vertical axis, and having a base comprising a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first edge is greater in length than the second, the first is nearer to the top than the second, and first edge and second edge are able to contact a flat surface at the same time for at least one region when the container is tilted off-vertical; b. tilting the can until both the first edge and the second edge contact a surface; and c. adjusting the amount of fluid in the container until the center of gravity of the partially-filled container is between the first edge and the second edge contacting the surface.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the container is cylindrical and the edges circular and concentric about the vertical axis
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein no part of the container between the first and second is outside a cone formed by the vertical axis and touching both edges and the container is able to be moved along a substantially circular path while in a tilted position.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the fluid is a beverage.
 5. A method of using a fluid-containing container for enjoyment, comprising, a. providing a cylindrical container with a top and a bottom, able to hold fluid, having a vertical axis, and having a base comprising a first circumference edge and a second circumference edge concentric about the vertical axis wherein the first edge has a greater length than the second, the first is nearer to the top than the second, and first edge and second edge are able to contact a flat surface at the same time for at least one region when the container is tilted off-vertical; b. tilting the can until both the first edge and the second edge contact a surface; and c. adjusting the amount of fluid in the container until the vertical center of gravity of the partially-filled container is between the first edge and the second edge contacting the surface.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein no part of the container between the first and second is outside a cone formed by the vertical axis and touching both edges and container is able to be moved along a substantially circular path while in a tilted position. 